At Lakewood Ranch Medical Center our network of care provides highquality, individualized care for you and your family – close to where you live, work and play.
Our network includes:
• Lakewood Ranch Medical Center –Offering services ranging from cardiovascular care and orthopedics to women’s services/obstetrics and stroke.
• ER at Fruitville* – A full-service, freestanding emergency department with board-certified physicians who provide emergency care. Full-service laboratory, X-ray and CT are available onsite.
• Lakewood Ranch Medical Group –From primary care to specialty cardiac, OB/GYN and general surgery, our affiliated physicians and allied health professionals deliver quality healthcare services to all age groups.
For more information, go to lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com
For a physician referral, call 800-454-8215. *This
8330 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
04//Meet the 2024 Board
Welcome
05
05//LWRBA Update
A Note from Brittany Lamont
06//On the Calendar
Upcoming Alliance Events
09//Ribbon Cuttings
Congratulations to These Businesses!
09//Welcome New Members
The Newest Additions to the Alliance
11//Young Leaders Alliance
Upcoming Events for Young Professionals
12//Kick Start Your Year
15//2023 Sandies Winners
Congratulations to the Sandies Winners
16//Say Cheese
Check Out These Photos
18
Thank you to our Annual Investors
Do you have a position to fill? We want to help!
As a member of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, you have acess to a myriad of benefits to help grow your business. The LWRBA Job Board is one of them and an excellent way to grow your team, just follow these six easy steps
1. Head to www.LWRBA.org
2. In the top menu click, “Business Tools”
3. In the drop down menu hover over, “Job Board” and click, “Post a Position”
4. Log in to your member portal
5. At the top right click the green “Add” button
6. Fill in the information
Lakewood
Stand out amongst the crowd and increase visibility for your business by advertsing in our quarterly magazine! Check out these quick stats!
3,000 copies delivered to various businesses across the Lakewood Ranch Region!
Distributed at Alliance events.
Delivered digitally on social media and through our eblasts. That means thousands of eyes on your ad!
Questions?
Email BlakeFrey@LWRBA.org for more information on advertising in The Connection Magazine
David Otterness//Chair of the Board
Willis Smith Construction
Julie Fanning//Incoming Chair of the Board
Benderson Development
Erik Hanson//Past Chair
Shutts & Bowen, LLP
Darrin Rohr//Deputy Chair
HH Staffing Services
Dianne Kopczynski//Treasurer
Mauldin & Jenkins
Kevin Cooper//Secretary
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Annemarie Graff//Bank OZK
Ashlyn McCarty//Buffalo Lodging & Associates
Beth Green//Gulfside Bank
Charlie Murphy//The Bank of Tampa
Che Barnett//Manatee County Government
David Fink//Family Office Services
Erin Watson//Game On Nation
Frank Morgan//Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
John Holz//Plunket Raysich Architechts
Dr. Karen Holbrook//USF - Sarasota Manatee Campus
Keith Pandeloglou//LWR Community Activities
Kent Jimison//Easterseals Happiness House
Lisa Barnott//Schroeder-Manatee Ranch
Lou Marinaccio//Gallagher Affinity
Nick Feather//Capstan Financial Consulting Group
Philip Reber//Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
Rex Jensen//Schroeder-Manatee Ranch
Robert Lewis//Sarasota County Government
Tieler Gittleman//Northern Trust Company
Toni Perren//Observer Media Group
Wayne Parrish//Rite Technology
Zachary Buffington//Williams Parker Attorneys at Law
Zoe Kasper//Sunshine Movers
Brittany Lamont//President/CEO
BrittanyLamont@lwrba.org
Janeth Gonzalez//Events & Programs Manager
JanethGonzalez@lwrba.org
Blake Frey//Membership Deveopment Representative
BlakeFrey@lwrba.org
Kristie Calandro//Communications Coordinator
KristieCalandro@lwrba.org
Lindsay Hartman//Member Services Coordinator
LindsayHartman@lwrba.org
Please help us in extending a warm welcome and congratulations to the newest members of the LWRBA Board of Directors. We’re excited for 2024 and can’t wait to see the energy they bring to our organization!
These individuals have shown incredible dedication and commitment during their time on the board. Your passion and hard work to the Alliance is invaluable. Thank you for your time and effort!
Hello 2024 and Happy New Year Alliance Family!
I cannot believe we have the holidays behind us and ready to tackle 2024 head-on. Last year was such a successful year for us which led to a new strategic plan, additional programming and bringing more member businesses into the organization. We are so excited to share the results of 2023 at our Annual Luncheon on Friday, February 23rd at the Ballroom at Grove and welcome our new Chair of the Board, David Otterness from Willis Smith Construction.
So, what’s in store for the Alliance this year? We will continue to focus on the value for our member businesses and ways to provide resources, connection opportunities and ways to celebrate you. The Government Affairs Committee is monitoring public policy and advocacy issues affecting our businesses like transportation, workforce, and access to childcare. Just know while you are busy running your company, we have your back and are working for you.
So lets all set those New Year Resolutions to get out there network, engage, grow and make 2024 the best year yet!
Thanks for being here, supporting the Alliance and each other.
Brittany Lamont LWRBA President/CEO
Welcome to 2024 and Happy New Year! It is with a feeling of excitement and privilege that I begin to serve the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance as your Chairman of the Board for this year. As a Florida native, growing up on the west coast, I am amazed at how successfully our region has evolved. As Vice President of Willis Smith Construction, based in Lakewood Ranch, volunteering with the Business Alliance started in the early days of the Alliance when the organization was operating from the headquarters of Shroeder Manatee Ranch. My journey started with the Economic Impact Committee, graduating in the first class of the Executive Academy program, and serving on our board since 2021. The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance continues to expand its mission by serving our members, growing our community, and advocating on our membership’s behalf.
Our Board of Directors, consisting of some of our region’s best leaders, along with our paramount staff continue to better our Alliance in 2024 in the following areas:
• Focusing on the strategic priorities: Engage, Grow, Impact
• Representing more than Lakewood Ranch, but our entire region as a whole
• Implementing our vision and laying the foundation of what we will become in 3-5 years.
• Last, but most importantly, listening to our members! Our members are what makes this organization successful!
I look forward to meeting and reaching out to many of you throughout the year. Our programs and events during the year are hands down some of the best offered in the region. I want to especially thank our members, sponsors, volunteers and lastly to Erik Hanson, for the leadership he brought to us as chair in 2023. Again, thank you for allowing me to serve as the 2024 Chair and I wish you all a very prosperous and successful year.
Cheers!
David Otterness 2024 Chair of the BoardNetworking Social
Wednesday, January 10th | 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Lunch with Ranchers
Thursday, January 11th | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Monthly Luncheon
Wednesday, January 31st | 11:30 Aam– 1:00 pm
Networking Social
Wednesday, February 7th | 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Lunch with Ranchers
Thursday, February 15th | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Breakfast with Ranchers
Tuesday, February 28th | 8:00 – 9:30 am
Networking Social
Wednesday, March 6th | 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Classroom Connection
Wednesday, March 13th | 7:30 - 9:00 am
Lunch with Ranchers
Tuesday, March 19th | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Luncheon
Wednesday, March 27th | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Ranch Scramble Golf Tournamnet
Monday, January 22nd | 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club
Annual Membership Luncheon
Friday, February 23rd | 11:30 am - 1:15 pm
The Ballroom at Grove
Block Party
Friday, April 12th | 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Tradeshow Tailgate
Thursday, September 12th | 4:30 - 7:30 pm
Robarts Arena
Alliance Gives Back October 3rd through 5th
The 2024 Sandies Awards
Friday, November 15th | 11:30 am - 1:15 pm
The Ballroom at Grove
35th Annual Hob Nob
Wednesday, December 4th | 4:30 - 7:30 pm
Premier Sports Campus
Staffed with bankers who have deep roots in the Sarasota and Manatee market, our bank’s focus for nearly 40 years has been to serve owner-managed businesses, professional firms and families that want a strong, local connection with their bank and banker. Come grow with us.
Become a puppy raiser with Southeastern Guide Dogs and open a world of magic to those with vision loss, veterans with disabilities, and children who need a best friend.
Did you know? Every guide dog starts as a puppy, and every puppy needs someone like you.
Your mission as a puppy raiser is simple. Take home a cuddly bundle of joy and bring back a happy, socialized, well-mannered dog. That’s the magic of making a difference.
✴ Choose your own adventure: The joys of puppy raising are endless, but the time commitment doesn’t have to be. Raise a puppy on your own or choose your dream team. You can share the journey with family, friends, colleagues, and more.
✴ Take a paws : Have a getaway planned? Take the vacation or well-deserved break. Our puppy sitters jump in and take the leash.
Just add love (+ food and water): We’ll take care of the rest. Puppy raisers receive a kit stocked with all the necessities to raise a happy, healthy pup. Plus, we cover all veterinary care and medical expenses.
Unleash the fun! We’ll support your puppy-raising adventure from start to finish—no matter where you live in the United States.
Ask about puppy raiser clubs in your area for optional outings to connect, laugh, share tips, and swap stories with fellow raisers.
Be a part of the magic . Raise a puppy.
Fifth Third Bank Waterside
Fifth
Lakewood City
Lifestyle
Williams Parker
Attorneys at Law
International Diamond Center
Risen Savior Academy
Woodies Car Wash
Please help us in welcoming the newest additions to our Alliance family of businesses!
Ameris Bank
Benjamin Horvat Photography LLC
Coldwell Banker Realty Lakewood Ranch
Florida Plastic Surgery and Medspa
Goodwyn Mills Cawood
Honors Interiors LLC
International Diamond Center Associate Sponsor
Jewel Mae LLC
Lakewood Ranch Nutrition
Maloney Funeral Home
Molly Paolilli - Thrivent
Mstrmnd Wellness App
SailorGirl Medical Staffing Associate Sponsor
Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School
Sales Geek
Sup East Coast Style
The Renaissance Group
The Wellness Space
Unishippers
For a complete member list, visit www.lwrba.org/MemberDirectory.
Want to become a member? Contact Blake Frey at BlakeFrey@LWRBA.org
PRESENTED BY
FRIDAY, FEBRUARTY 23RD | 11:30 A.M. - 1:15 P.M.
MEMBERS $75 | NON-MEMBERS $85
GOLD TABLE $900 | SILVER TABLE $650
Calling all young professionals! The Young Leaders Alliance (YLA) membership is included for all LWRBA members under 40, at no additional fee. The YLA is an extension of the Alliance whose mission is to empower and equip young professionals and build authentic relationships, by harnessing the Power of Connection.
Check out some upcoming events below and join the YLA today at www.LWRBA.org/join-YLA
Networking Social
Thursday, January 25
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Ed’s Tavern & Fish Hole
YLA & LWRBA Social
Sunday, February 4 Time is TBD
Sarasota Polo
Nites at Waterside
Wednesday, March 20
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Waterside Place
The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance thrives because of the commitment of nearly 150 hardworking volunteers across our 7 committees. Their dedication has and continues to shape us into the premier business organization in the Lakewood Ranch region. Joining a committee is an excellent opportunity to connect with professionals, fostering lasting relationships tailored to your interests and skills.
This committee plays a pivotal role in enhancing connectivity among LWRBA members, the Lakewood Ranch Community, and the broader region through effective communication and technology. This committee is dedicated to safeguarding the brand by overseeing internal and external communications across various platforms, including media, website, social media, eblasts, and more.
The Community Engagement Committee takes pride in building strong connections between nonprofit and corporate members, fostering relationships that make a positive impact. They actively raise awareness of the needs of our nonprofit members. Additionally, this committee spearheads Alliance Gives Back — a vibrant volunteer initiative that brings together business members and their families for enjoyable volunteer opportunities, further strengthening our ties with nonprofit partners.
This committee is dedicated to fortifying ties with local Economic Development Corporations, SMR, and business owners in the community. Serving as a valuable resource of community knowledge and connections, the committee stands ready to assist both existing Alliance members and new businesses considering relocation to LWR.
The Events and Programming Committee is your gateway to enriching business experiences. Our dedicated team meticulously plans and executes educational programs, identifying pertinent business topics and vetting dynamic speakers to enhance your professional knowledge. They craft unique occasions fostering member connections and engagement. From dynamic educational sessions to engaging luncheons, networking socials, and signature events, this committee ensures a vibrant calendar all year long.
The GAC committee is dedicated to strengthening our relationships with local, regional, and state government officials. Proactively engaged, the committee closely monitors governmental issues that impact our members and the business community. Membership in this committee is by invitation only, ensuring a high caliber of expertise and commitment.
The Membership team is dedicated to cultivating vibrant connections within our community. They actively engage and retain current members while extending warm invitations to prospective businesses to join the Alliance family. This committee is at the forefront of promoting the myriad of benefits, organizing membership appreciation events, and assisting with member ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
This committee is dedicated to empowering young professionals by curating events and programs tailored to enhance their leadership, communication, and project management skills within the YLA organization.
Interested in getting involved and kick starting your year? Visit our website for more information and contact the chair of your chosen comittee for details on the first meeting of the year.
Wayne Parrish Chair of the Communications Committee
Where is your hometown?
I’m from Gainesville, FL. Go Gators!
What’s a fun fact?
This FL boy loves snowboarding!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever recieved is this: “It is better to remain silent and thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt” My first sales manager said this quote to me, and I have held this in my memory for over 20 years, it reminds me to stay calm, collective and ask more questions versus trying to tell someone all you know. New sales reps tend to have this problem, they learn something then go barf it all over a potential prospects to try and prove their value. Versus asking more questions about the client all while potentially uncovering unknown pain points, when you can truly help a company with your solutions, that is when true value is demonstrated.
Kevin Cooper At-Large
Where is your hometown?
I’m from Akron, Ohio. The thing I love most about Akron is that its a people-first town. The community is all about the community.
What’s a fun fact?
I’m a member of Mensa.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
In my experience, I’ve learned that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.
What
As far as my greatest career
I would look back to leading men and women in a combat zone. I so vividly recall the times I was tasked with leading a convoy during my time in the Iraq War. I can think of no greater compliment than good men and women following you into the unknown.
Meet our Board of Directors at www.LWRBA.org/Board-of-Directors
The mission of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is to provide nutrition and caring, supportive services in Manatee County. For every dollar donated, $0.91 goes back into the four main PLUS programs: Home-delivered Meals, The Food Bank of Manatee, Daybreak Adult Day Center, and Friendship Dining Centers. Our live-saving and life-changing programs are all centered around helping Manatee County babies, children, families, adults, and seniors live independent, connected, and nourished lives.
SHARE THE POWER OF CONNECTION FOR A CHANCE TO WIN $100
SPONSORED BY
Take advantage of this exciting referral program for a chance to win BIG! For each new member business you refer to the Alliance, you’ll receive one entry into our quarterly drawing for a chance to win $100 Visa Gift Card.
The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance announced the 2023 Sandies winners on November 17th during our annual awards luncheon at the Ballroom at Grove. Congratulations!
Presenting Sponsor
Above & Beyond Award
Kent Jimison, Easterseals Southwest Florida
Best Rancher Award
Keith Pandeloglou, Lakewood Ranch Community Activities
Bull by the Horns Award
Wayne Parrish, RITE Technology
Community Champion Award
Kevin Cooper, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Networking King Award
Dennis Butt, HR Elements
Networking Queen Award
Zoe Kasper
2
3 4
1 5
Use your network and identify businesses that will benefit from membership in the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.
Share your personal experience on how the Alliance has helped your business and encourage that they join, too.
Refer them to www.LWRBA.org/join
Make sure they enter your name in the Member Referral – Ranch Rewards field on the membership application.
That’s it! For each new member referred, you’ll gain one entry into the drawing. Quarterly winners will be selected and announced the first week of July, October, and January.
Ray of Sunshine Award
Jorge Aguero, Family Legacy Care
Rising Star Award
Skyler Betts, Town Square University Parkway
Volunteer of the Year Award
AnneMarie Graff, Bank OZK
Young Professional of the Year Award
Tieler Gittleman, Northern Trust Comapny
This fall was packed with events, joy and cheer! We had the pleasure of recognizing our volunteers at the Sandies Awards. We hosted the 34th Annual Hob Nob for the first time, got a sneak peek at the new Lakewood Ranch Library, won second place in Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade and celebrated the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund’s Grant Recipients! It truly was the most wonderful time of the year and we look forward to the year ahead.
> Find us on Facebook and Instagram for more photos from all of our events!
The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance headed to Tallahasee again in November to focus on the public policy issues that affect our business community. Ahead of the 2024 Legislative Sessions members of the Governmental Affairs CommitteeRon Beck, Nick Feather, Casey Welch, and Kevin Cooper joined President and CEO, Brittany Lamont to share our Legislative Agenda for 2024. Below are the issues we are monitoring in our region on behalf of the business community.
1. The full repeal of the Commercial Lease Tax.
2. Funding to support State College of Florida and University of South Florida (STEM Building)
3. Access to affordable child and early learning care for families
4. Increased funding for transportation projects in and around Lakewood Ranch
5. Continued work on Affordable Housing and the insurance market
6. Legislation to help businesses recover from natural disasters
East County Observer Turns 25
The East County Observer has been dedicated to sharing stories, promoting businesses, and providing valuable information to the community for 25 years. They celebrated their anniversary with a booth at Music on Main on Nov. 3, showcasing highlights from their archives. The newspaper has covered various local events and issues over the years, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
Lakewood Ranch Community Fund Honors Ted Lindenberg with Humanitarian of the Year Award
Ted Lindenberg, a member of the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch, was honored for his role in the Books for Kids program, which provides books to children and fosters a love of reading. The program, initiated in 2014, has grown significantly and now involves around 150 volunteers who visit elementary schools to distribute books and engage with students in various reading programs. Lindenberg’s efforts have positively impacted over 14,000 children, and he received the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund’s 2023 C. John A. Clarke Humanitarian Award for his contributions.
University Town Center Welcome’s Santa
The University Town Center started the holiday season with Nik Wallenda crossing Cattleman Road on a high-wire to light a 50-foot Christmas tree during Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade on Nov. 11th. The event includes live DJs, food trucks, and a special Veterans Day tribute. After the parade, an after party featuring a performance by We the Kings was held. The holiday festivities continued with light shows, ice skating, outdoor movies, horse-drawn carriage rides, live entertainment, and fireworks shows at UTC.
Willis Smith Construction CEO recieves Rick Fawley Economic Development Award of Distinction
David Sessions, CEO of Willis Smith Construction, received the 2023 Rick Fawley Economic Development Award of Distinction at the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation’s Annual Update Luncheon. He paid tribute to the late Rick Fawley, an architect he collaborated with for over 20 years. The award recognizes Sessions’ significant contributions to the local economy and his dedication to the community.
McIntyre
Florida
Gulf
Gulfside
Robert
Synovus
